According to my Goodreads profile, I read 36 books in 2021.
I love all different genres but I generally find myself with mostly mystery, crime and thriller books. I will honestly give any book a go. I used to make myself finish a book, even if I wasn't enjoying it but as I got older, I realised that life is too short. I do usually give them another go at some point as sometimes, I have to be in the right mood for certain books.
The following books, in no particular order, were my favourite books of 2021.
Exoskeleton - Shane Stadler
"A convict is given a choice at his sentencing: Serve a 25-year prison term, or spend one year in an experimental corrections program. As his only hope for redemption, he opts for the latter, and finds himself in a horrific situation that transforms him into something the world has never seen. EXOSKELETON is a dark, dark ride along the border between science fiction and horror"
This was the longest book I read last year, it mixes some futuristic ideas, with some history and I loved that! I love when a book that is about something that idea seems a bit out there yet, its also quite possible that its actually happening somewhere in the world. I felt fear for the main character and was really rooting for him and despised the individuals he had the misfortune of encountering. It made me wonder if the author knows something we don't, especially once I saw his bio!
Where the crawdads sing - Delia Owens
"For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens."
This was the most popular book I read last year and it was such a beautiful book. I admit, that when I read the first few lines, I was worried I might not get into it as it is historical fiction, which I do enjoy, but I had just finished a really good mystery thriller (which I talk about next). I quickly fell in love with this book and with Kya the "Marsh Girl" it made me really think about the judgements we make on others and how the way we treat people can have such an effect on their lives, whether positive or negative. I am really looking forward to watching the film, which is out this year.
When I was you - Minka Kent
"A stolen identity leads a woman down a dark and desperate path in a gripping novel of psychological suspense by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.
After barely surviving a brutal attack, Brienne Dougray rarely leaves her house. Suffering from debilitating headaches and memory loss, she can rely only on her compassionate new tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin, a welcome distraction from the discomfiting bubble that has become her existence.
But Brienne’s growing confidence in her new routine is shaken when she stumbles across unsettling evidence that someone else is living as…her. Same name. Same car. Same hair. Same clothes. She’s even friended her family on social media. To find out why, Brienne must leave the safety of her home to hunt a familiar stranger.
What she discovers is more disturbing than she could have ever imagined. With her fragile mind close to shattering, Brienne is prepared to do anything to reclaim her life. If it’s even hers to reclaim."
I got this book via Amazon First Reads. I have so many books in my to read in my kindle, I don't really look for new books, I tend to buy books recommended to me by friends or by authors who I love, so this is really good for getting me to try new genres and authors and this book is the perfect example. I read this book in a day, I could not put it down. I needed to know who this other woman was and if she was really Brienne. I was constantly swinging between frustration at Briennes memory loss and complete intrigue as to what was going on and who was really involved.
The Aftermath - Gail Schimmel
"It’s been twenty-six years since the accident, but Helen still lives on autopilot, going through the motions of work and motherhood. Her one wish is for her daughter Julia to settle down with her own family—so Helen can let go.
Julia has dealt with her mother’s emotional distance by looking for love in all the wrong places. But when her latest choice drives away her best friend, Claire, Julia realises she’s on her own.
Impossibly perfect Claire is so busy caring for everyone—even her cheating ex-husband—that she’s forgotten to look after herself. Reeling from Julia’s betrayal, she doesn’t know who to trust.
As their lives unravel, these three women reconnect in unexpected ways. But with a devastating secret still hanging over them, will they ever be able to leave the past behind?"
I am nosy, so I want to know what people are thinking and feeling so I loved the fact that this book is told from the perspective of each character and I loved it, each character has their own story to tell and it shows you that although you think someone has the perfect life, that is rarely the case. This was another book from Amazon First Reads and I will definitely read more books by this author as I really enjoyed her style of writing.
Home Truths - Tina Seskis.
"A strong marriage can cope with the unexpected. But can it survive the unimaginable?
American nanny Eleanor was never meant to meet Alex. But when she walks into his London police station to report a stalker, everything changes for them both. He’s convinced he can protect her from anything and anyone. She hopes her darkest days are behind her.
As they settle into their life together, two hundred miles away another young couple faces an uncertain future. Christie knows Paul is a decent man, but she can’t shake a clairvoyant’s warning: ‘Never trust your husband . . .’ When a work trip tests their bond, will she overcome her fears for the sake of her family?
Ten years later, both couples are still together, for better or worse. But as doubts and resentments begin bubbling steadily to the surface, all four of them start to question the choices they’ve made.
At least the secrets they all brought into their marriages are still well hidden.
For now."
When I finish a book, I often wonder what happened to the characters after the book is over, I want more! I do enjoy books like this where you are taken through several years with the characters. This book has "Sliding Doors" feels and just as you think you have figured out what the outcome is going to be, you are met with another delicious twist. When the book eventually unravelled, I wanted to go back and start again as I think the clues were all there, just very cleverly hidden.
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